BP council approves budget

BELLE PLAINE - The Belle Plaine City Council approved the budget for next fiscal year, after a hearing was held at the March 5 meeting of the council at city hall.

There were no comments from the public or the council on the proposed budget.

“It’s a fine budget,” observed Mayor Dave Fish.

The budget calls for $3.5 million in revenue, $6.6 million in spending, with a beginning fund balance of $6.7 million. This will leave an ending fund balance on June 30, 2019, of $3.6 million. The city’s tax rate is $13.29 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

A public hearing was set for March 19, according to requirements of Section 508 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1987. This deals with the status of funding for the city’s ultraviolet disinfection and flow equalization basin project additions to the water pollution control facility project. The hearing is at 6 p.m. at city hall.

City Administrator Jeff Horne reported on the concept of a trail. He said it is a long process and the first step is setting up the route. They will also explore funding options. He said he is encouraged so far.

“This would be an added quality thing for the city of Belle Plaine and Benton County,” observed Mayor Dave Fish, looking at Belle Plaine as a connection between Iowa City and trails near Dysart.

Mayor Fish said he is contacting local legislators about backfill funding.

Fish has also been requested to take over as chairman of the personnel committee for the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG).

In Benton Development work, they are working to get a golf fund-raiser.

He said the city has been asked to send representatives to the rural development summit in Grinnell. Fish plans to attend, and needs two more volunteers to go.

There was also discussion about the sale of a property. Sealed bids are expected March 29.